2016 Quintess

98 POINTS

Jonathan Cristaldi - Decanter

Between the 2015 and 2016 vintage, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg reduced the percentage of new oak to just 85%. Refined, fresh, and inviting aromas of fresh-picked blackberry are intermixed with confected raspberry coulis and strawberry-vanilla panna cotta. Notes of cedar and violets emerge with aeration—a full-flavoured, seamless wine with power and tremendous energy. Richly layered with blackberry and blueberry fruit, blueberry tart, brown sugar and chocolate shavings. For all that decadence, a rich tapestry of velvet textured tannins is framed by expressive acidity, and the long finish reveals ironstone classic Rutherford minerality. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménѐre. Harvest: September 15 – October 13, 2016. 20 months in 70% new French oak barrel.

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony.

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now. Needs four to five years to show it all.

97 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère, with all fruit coming from the Quintessa estate, and it aged for 20 months in 73% new French oak. Very deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass like a pedigree pup with exuberant notions of crème de cassis, warm blueberries and black cherries with hints of redcurrants, kirsch, candied violets, crushed rocks, cigar box and fallen leaves plus a waft of truffles. Full, rich and beautifully laced with layers of floral notes and fragrant earth, the profound black and blue fruits build slowly in the mouth, achieving great energy and depth with a beautiful velvety frame, finishing long and perfumed. 97+

97 POINTS

2019 - Decanter World Wine Awards

A veritable indulgence of stunning sweet black cherry, ripe currants, cassis, dark chocolate and cloves. As if this wasn't enough, delicious vanilla and a hint of caramel bind to create a really mouthwatering experience. Award: Platinum - DWWA 2019

95 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

Black cherry, grilled sage and cedar aromatics, smooth tannins and sweet black cherry fruits on the palate. Relatively low acidities but feels well in balance and this is structured and confident with flesh and laid back confident appeal. 70% new oak. Carménère and Petit Verdot complete the blend.

93 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

A ripe, fleshy style, with dark currant, fig and blackberry fruit, steeped with sage, tobacco and warm licorice notes. A light alder hint stitches up the finish, showing latent, mineral-tinged grip. Solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Best from 2020 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,000 cases made.